MELBOURNE, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Defending champion Jannik Sinner downed Ben Shelton on Friday and powered into a second straight Australian Open final, where he will face Germany's Alexander Zverev after Novak Djokovic retired with a muscle tear.
In the later semifinal on Rod Laver Arena, top seed Sinner claimed his 20th straight victory after ruthlessly dispatching the 21st-seeded American 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2 in two hours and 36 minutes.
The Italian was on the brink in a see-sawing first set, but saved two set points on Shelton's serve in the 12th game before dominating the tiebreak.
Sinner put the foot down from there and motored to the finish despite battling cramps during the third set.
He needed medical attention and labored around the court at times. But the 23-year-old continued to hit the lines with trademark precision and he moved closer to his third Grand Slam title in 12 months.
The flamboyant Shelton cooled off considerably after a brash start as he wilted under Sinner's barrage with 55 unforced errors.
"It was a very tough first set and a crucial one. I think he didn't serve at his best today," Sinner said. "I am happy how I handled the situation today and happy to be in the final."
Earlier, second seed Zverev was first through to Sunday's decider when the 37-year-old Djokovic pulled the pin after losing the first set 7-6 (5).
It was an anti-climax of a much-hyped semifinal that initially lived up to the billing with an opening set lasting one hour and 21 minutes.
But after netting an easy volley, Djokovic conceded the match and shook hands with Zverev amid some jeers from the crowd.
"Novak Djokovic is somebody that has given to the sport for the past 20 years absolutely everything of his life," said second seed Zverev, moments after he reached his first Australia Open final.
"So please be respectful and really, really show some love for Novak as well."
Zverev is on a mission for an elusive Grand Slam title having previously fallen agonizingly short in five sets at the 2020 US Open and last year's French Open.
"I've had my tough losses," Zverev said. "I feel like maybe it's time for me to have some luck in a Grand Slam final as well."
Djokovic's upper left leg was heavily strapped after having injured it during his quarterfinal victory over third seed Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday.
"Even if I won the first set, it was going to be a huge uphill battle for me," Djokovic told reporters.
It was a bitter end for Djokovic on his favored Rod Laver Arena, where he has lifted the trophy 10 times before.
Without a major triumph since the 2023 US Open, Djokovic's wait continues for a 25th title that will break the all-time record he currently shares with Margaret Court.
Djokovic's future is uncertain as injuries start mounting in the twilight of his legendary career.
"There is a chance. Who knows," Djokovic said when asked whether this might have been his last appearance at Melbourne Park.
"I'll just have to see how the season goes. I want to keep going. But whether I'm going to have a revised schedule or not for the next year, I'm not sure."
Meanwhile, Australians Olivia Gadecki and John Peers claimed the mixed doubles title after beating compatriots Kimberly Birrell and John-Patrick Smith 3-6, 6-4, 10-6. ■
